ISOLATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF Salmonella specie IN FROZEN FOODS FROM OPEN MARKETS IN BENIN CITY

ABSTRACT

This study was carried out on the occurrence of Salmonella sp. in frozen foods gotten from open markets in 5 different locations in Benin city. A total of 24 samples comprising of (10 chicken, 10 meats and 4 fishes) from five markets namely; Oluku Market, Ekosodin Market, New Benin Market, Oba and Ikpoba hill Market in Benin City, Nigeria, were collected in separate polythene bags, which were properly sealed and labeled and transported in an ice chest to the University of Benin microbiology lab for analysis. Samples collected were processed for bacteriological analysis within 1-5 hours of sample collection. All samples collected were analyzed by culturing on nutrient agar and Salmonellashigella Agar (SSA) to identify Salmonella. Biochemical tests are carried out include indole test, oxidase test, urease test, citrate test amongst others to confirm the presence of Salmonella in food samples. Antibiotic susceptibility test was then carried out using Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute(CLSI) protocol with eight different antibiotics and their susceptibility and resistance to salmonella was recorded. The greatest susceptibility was shown in Meropenem while Vancomycin revealed the greatest resistance. This study revealed the presence of Salmonella on frozen food gotten from various market locations indicating that there is an urgent need to improve processing equipment, sanitation practices for slaughter houses and also food vendors as they could contaminate food samples. Also adequate thermal treatment is recommended before consumption of commercial chicken within these regions.